It’s no surprise that The Cotswolds is a major attraction in the South-West of England, bringing picture-perfect sights of the impressive British countryside and stone built houses. The local Cotswold stone is traditional to the area, a beautiful pastel yellow limestone that has been used for most of the buildings. Chocolate box villages with Cottages with thatched roofs and secret gardens, splendid country houses and historical stately homes that fascinate any visitors who explore the area. The Cotswolds is one of the most charming areas in England and a place that should be experienced. There are many great attractions to see, most of which are open all year around.
The Cotswold hills are famous for their gentle rolling slopes, bluebell woods, dense woodlands, and pretty, winding streams and rivers. The River Windrush runs through The Cotswolds, creating stunning waterways through market towns and shallow places where people paddle in the summer. The Cotswolds have been named as the second largest in England as an ‘area of outstanding natural beauty’. Situated between Oxford, Birmingham and Cheltenham, The Cotswolds is only a short train ride from London. The area is a beautiful example of true English countryside at its best.
Bourton-on-the-Water Model Village
The Model Village is a great mini village built identical to Bourton village and made of Cotswold stone, standing at waist height. The model village even includes the beautiful River Windrush, the chestnut, beech and cherry trees. It gives you the feeling of being a giant as you discover the attraction, wandering through the streets looking down on the village. This is a fantastic experience and is especially popular with children.
Cotswold Wildlife Park in Burford
A couple of miles from Burford is The Cotswold Wildlife Park, a stunning park set amongst 160 acres of charming gardens and a part of an impressive Victorian Manor House. This is a great adventure for adults and children of all ages, showing over 260 animals of all species, including lions, elephants, tigers and monkeys. The park is open to the public all year around, is dog friendly and has disabled wheelchair access.
Arlington Row in Bibury
The historical and beautiful Arlington Row cottages were built as a monastic wool store in 1380. The cottages were eventually converted in the 17th Century into a row of weavers’ cottages. Arlington Row is one of the most famous and photographed scenes of The Cotswolds, where thousands of tourists visit all year round. The cloth that was produced at the wool store in Bibury was sent to Arlington Mill where it was degreased then hung out in Rack Isle on wooden timber frames. The Royal College of Arts has preserved Arlington Row and it has been used as locations in films such as Bridget Jones’s Diary and Stardust.
Cotswold Secret Cottage
If you want to experience a true Cotswold cottage and something totally unique that has the personal homemade touch, then book a visit to see us at the Secret Cottage. Our beautiful 500 -year-old private home is in a charming Cotswold village that is surrounded by fields of sheep, hidden away and hardly seen from the village lanes. Our cottage is the perfect example of quintessential English village life and boasts a stunning interior that overlooks our charming cottage garden. The Secret Cottage plays an important part of our Cotswold tour, inviting guests for morning coffee or tea, and then a delicious homemade buffet lunch during the tour. We also put on a traditional Cotswold cream tea in the afternoon, all of which are served inside the cottage or in the garden if it’s a lovely day.
Cotswold Day Tour
If you’re thinking of visiting The Cotswolds, then a Cotswold daytrip is one of the best experiences. You will be shown some of the most exciting Cotswold attractions, taken through charming Cotswold villages, see some of the largest stately homes in the area and get a clear impression of true Cotswold life. The Secret Cottage Tour takes you on a magical tour of the Cotswolds, showing you the hidden gems and most impressive places in The Cotswolds. If you’re visiting England and staying in London, then get a train straight to Moreton-in-Marsh, taking 1hr 40mins. We pick you up from the train in our luxury Mercedes minibus and take you on a tour to all the best Cotswold attractions. We stop for morning coffee and pastry at the Secret Cottage, then return later for a tasty homemade buffet lunch and an afternoon Cotswold cream tea. When the six-hour tour is over, you will be returned to the train station in time to get back to London for the evening! Book your Secret Cottage Cotswold Tour now and don’t miss out on this exclusive day out…